The route change is temporary because of construction for the Pan Am games.

From the FB page:

Bay race update! Valley Inn hill will not be available for the Bay Race due to CN construction of the tracks for the Pan Am games. On exiting North Shore Blvd. the course will stay on Plains Rd. Runners thinking that they will miss the challenge of the Valley Inn hill, beware because the route on Plains Rd. is a long gradual uphill into Hamilton. Can you beat last years finishing time? Let us know after the race.

The only reason I know is that two of my running friends here are from Ontario and have done ATB several times, and both were similarly lamenting to each other (and to me) about the "old route" and how it's not the same anymore. But then one figured out that it was only temporary and they were relieved.

Nick wrote:I won't be doing the race again but to me the hill out of the valley and then the gentle 3K downhill to the finish were integral to the character of the race.

completely agree!

while weather changes year to year can leave great arguments about "weather" your race really "counted" (amongst the general running world of races like Boston's ideal winds/hot races etc). This loss changes the character of ATB. It wasn't about whether you can run 30k fast. You can do that boringly in Toronto in the summer on flat ground, but here could you do that with the last 10k being a nightmare? You need all sorts of skills to do well at ATB.

If they took the Newton hills out of Boston, it wouldn't be the Boston marathon!

Ran the new route today for our last long training run. Let me just say, it's still tough but I did miss the hill. The route just seems a little more boring now that that portion of the race has changed. Let's hope they make up for it with an awesome t-shirt

"I'm not sufficiently organized or ambitious to do all the things you're supposed to do if you're serious. The more time you spend fiddlediddling with this and that, the less time there is to run." ED WHITLOCK

I am going to be there as the 255 RW pacer. My son is going to run with me. I think that translates into a 410 marathon pace. Good LSD for the 350-400 marathoner or a MP 30K for those just above 4 hours.

The longest journey begins with a single step. 2016 RacesMay: Ottawa Marathon

canalrunner wrote:I am going to be there as the 255 RW pacer. My son is going to run with me. I think that translates into a 410 marathon pace. Good LSD for the 350-400 marathoner or a MP 30K for those just above 4 hours.

Hmm.....

It's not the size of the dog in the fight...it's the size of the fight in the dog! 11K Marker post - 2010 ATB.

canalrunner wrote:I am going to be there as the 255 RW pacer. My son is going to run with me. I think that translates into a 410 marathon pace. Good LSD for the 350-400 marathoner or a MP 30K for those just above 4 hours.

I'll look for you and may need you to drag me into the finish! This will be my third 30+ km run as I ramp up for London in "still somewhat recovering from injury mode" as opposed to "race mode". My plan is to run-walk, with planned variations between 10s & 1s and 15s & 1s. Have a great race!

Great News! Stan Wakeman who greets everyone at the bottom of Valley Inn Hill with high fives and Queen playing We will rock you .... Will be on Plains Road just west of the Botanical Gardens. Stan has been in the hospital recuperating from back surgery for the past 3 weeks and just got a day pass to go out and greet everyone on the course! Say hi, and give him a high five!

getfit wrote:Ran the new route today for our last long training run. Let me just say, it's still tough but I did miss the hill. The route just seems a little more boring now that that portion of the race has changed. Let's hope they make up for it with an awesome t-shirt

Speaking of shirts ... Any scoop on the colour of this year's shirt ???